Flintshire’s Play Development team shortlisted for national award

Flintshire County Council’s Play Development Team has won national recognition after being named one of three finalists in the Frontline Playwork category at this year’s National Playwork Conference.

The award celebrates organisations whose work, practice and ethos are firmly rooted in playwork principles, with a strong focus on children having a voice and ownership within services designed for them.

The nomination recognised both the work of the Play Development team to bring valuable play opportunities to schools and communities across Flintshire, and the wider efforts of the Council to ensure children’s rights around access to play are considered in decision making.

Darren Morris, Lead Officer for Play Development and Play Sufficiency, said:

“To be recognised on the national stage is a fitting acknowledgement of the vital work being done by the whole team every day – I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“To be nominated in this category meant a great deal but to be named one of only three finalists was the icing on the cake.

“While we didn’t win, the nomination recognised how much we have come on as a service in recent years and how we have successfully built bridges across other services within the council to put play at the forefront.”

The team was nominated by Darren’s tutor from Clybiau Plant Cymru, with whom he is currently completing his Level 5 Playwork qualification.

Councillor Mared Eastwood, Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, said:

“Being named among the final three in such a competitive category is a real testament to the dedication of our Play Development team and the difference they make to the lives of children and young people in our county.

“Their commitment to ensuring children’s voices are heard and play is valued in our communities is something we can all celebrate.”